GM to shift small crossover to GMC

[gardnet1]

Originally Posted by 1BadPig

Many dealers carry both GMC and Pontiac... is this just a wash? This further eliminates the need for GMC IMO.


Chevrolet GMC
Silverado -----------> Sierra
Avalanche ----------> N/A
Tahoe --------------> Yukon
Suburban -----------> Yukon XL
Colorado ------------> Canyon
Equinox ------------> Terrain
Traverse ------------> Acadia
Trailblazer -----------> Envoy

Why does GM need GMC again (besides being "professional grade", whatever that means)?

Because GMC is more profitable than Chevy on a per vehicle basis. GMC has been profitable as a division all but one year of the past 30 (2005 I think). The argument for dumping Pontiac or even Buick would be easier to defend.

[PA Dweller]

Are any attempts going to be made to make this GMC different from the Chevy version? Like an off road packing (If that is possible) or more upscale features like dual zone auto climate controls, power liftgate, standard V6 engine (no 4 cylinder options), etc?

[Joevette]

So we are not going to see the Rebadged Saturn as the GMC right? we get the next generation version of the truck? If there were to bring the current one here I would've hoped they would use the Captiva as the starting point, since it would be a unique vehicle over here

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by PA Dweller

Are any attempts going to be made to make this GMC different from the Chevy version? Like an off road packing (If that is possible) or more upscale features like dual zone auto climate controls, power liftgate, standard V6 engine (no 4 cylinder options), etc?

My God, I hope so. An off-road package probably won't happen, since the Thetas are road-based crossovers, but the upscale features would be great.

Originally Posted by Joevette

So we are not going to see the Rebadged Saturn as the GMC right? we get the next generation version of the truck? If there were to bring the current one here I would've hoped they would use the Captiva as the starting point, since it would be a unique vehicle over here

It won't be a rebadged Saturn Vue. Don't worry. Haha. I second the Captiva idea, I really like that car.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

My God, I hope so. An off-road package probably won't happen, since the Thetas are road-based crossovers, but the upscale features would be great.

Thats what I feared, it would of been a great addition though. Since most people won't go off roading with them I think it could still work. I just hope that we see the upscale features and a standard V6. A Denali with a DI V6 in the future would fit in very well I feel.

[K Dawg ONE]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

It won't be a rebadged Saturn Vue. Don't worry. Haha. I second the Captiva idea, I really like that car.

Im not too sure it wont be a re-badge. The GMC Terrain (ie, GMC version of the VUE) was just released last month in the Middle East and with us getting the USDM/NA Terrain in about 8 months, I cant see a totally re-worked version for the US.
If I had to wager a bet, I see a VUE with a GMC grill sitting in our showrooms this summer...

[Joevette]

is the new vue on the Theta 2 platform?

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by K Dawg ONE

Im not too sure it wont be a re-badge. The GMC Terrain (ie, GMC version of the VUE) was just released last month in the Middle East and with us getting the USDM/NA Terrain in about 8 months, I cant see a totally re-worked version for the US.
If I had to wager a bet, I see a VUE with a GMC grill sitting in our showrooms this summer...

That was the original plan, but apparently they've decided not to go along with it. In fact, the Terrain was first reported by many websites to be the exact same car as the Middle Eastern Terrain. The US model should be similar to the next generation Equinox, which some people are thinking will be based off the Captiva.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Joevette

is the new vue on the Theta 2 platform?

It's on the Short-wheelbase Theta platform, if that's what you're talking about.
The 2009 Terrain is on the long-wheelbase Theta platform.

[t-rex]

Originally Posted by johnny smallblock

Plus, average household incomes for Yukon Denali owners are actually higher then for Escalade owners. So GMC brings people in who aren't attracted to other GM brands.

Again this is the strongest justification for the existence of the GMC brand. I recently moved into a high income area (although I've got the "pee wee" house on the block!) and there are lots of Yukons and Denalis around here, but no Tahoes or Escalades. Upscale customers are possibly put off by the Escalade's "rap star" blingmobile image.

I've argued ad nauseum that the Escalade isn't becoming of the Cadillac brand and should be axed, or replaced with something more Range Roverish. If it only weren't such a profit generator...

[CrunkedRL]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

It's on the Short-wheelbase Theta platform, if that's what you're talking about.
The 2009 Terrain is on the long-wheelbase Theta platform.

Yes your right the Vue is on the short-wheelbase as it has been historically on the previous Theta platform. In saying that I believe the Terrain will have more in common as far as looks with the Chevy Theta than it would the Vue as with most other GMC's.

[1BadPig]

Originally Posted by tripowergto

Nearly 400,000 GMC sales per year... that's why!

I understand the volume GMC does is a factor, but I wonder how many buyers will just go to Chevy if there is just one choice. There is no reason why Chevy should package the LTZ as just a slightly more contented LT3 as in the case of our Tahoe. IMO the Tahoe LTZ should be comparable to Yukon Denali.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by 1BadPig

I understand the volume GMC does is a factor, but I wonder how many buyers will just go to Chevy if there is just one choice. There is no reason why Chevy should package the LTZ as just a slightly more contented LT3 as in the case of our Tahoe. IMO the Tahoe LTZ should be comparable to Yukon Denali.

Without GMC, I'd definetly go to Chevy. But I'd probably end up spreading my other cars out among the different brands. For example, if there wasn't an Acadia, I'd probably end up buying an Enclave rather than a Traverse.
But while GMC's still around, I'll most likely look at their cars before Chevy's.

[kissmyss]

Here are the known facts at cami

69 workers laid off Dec 27
499 More April 20

As of Jan 14 build levels for Torrent/Equinox are cut almost a hundred vehicles a day...
All these layoffs are a result of retooling inside the plant, primarily within the weld dept, as most of the one side will be shut down

In april plant will go to two shifts (all depts)
Vehicle Launch in summer 09 (Terrain)(GMT 177) (original build numbers to be lower than the equinox/torrent was)
Look for the equinox to be re-done and a hybrid motor offered (3 engine combos) (GMT 172)
Suzuki xl7 production has be reduced due to the lack of sales in canada, and the lack of product knowledge re: the XL7
To be re-evaluated in jan to determine build levels for the 08 year (currently i believe NO 08 XL7's are being built for Canada)

This info is mostly fact as i know it.....

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/u...chevy-equinox/

[HoosierRon]

Originally Posted by kissmyss

Look for the equinox to be re-done and a hybrid motor offered (3 engine combos) (GMT 172)

BAS, BAS+ or 2 mode?

And will the new Equinox still be larger than the Vue?